Idaho Salmon – Rafting the River of No Return

TRIP LENGTH

WHEN TO GO

WHO IT'S FOR

ACTIVITIES

Rafting, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, fly fishing, hiking

GATEWAY CITY

Boise, Idaho (BOI)

MEETING LOCATION

Boise, Idaho

Idaho Salmon - Rafting the River of No Return

5"I've rafted and kayaked rivers throughout the West. Our 6 days with Momentum on the Main Stem of Idaho's Salmon River was a good as it gets. The guides were experienced, hardworking, and attentive. Momentum's policy of hiring only guides with at least 8 years' experience is unusual, and it clearly is working for them."
- Jim based on 5 reviews - more reviews >55

Idaho Salmon - Rafting the River of No Return

Idaho’s Salmon River, the Grand Canyon of Idaho, is one of the longest free flowing rivers in the United States and cuts through a vast area of incredibly rugged Rocky Mountain wilderness – the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. The canyon it creates is the second deepest on the continent and it has a timelessness and mountain grandeur that is matched by few rivers anywhere. It is one of the last big mountain rivers remaining in the world that is undammed and for 85 miles it is virtually untouched by modern civilization. It is a rafting trip of a lifetime, a multi-sport adventure, one of the world’s premier wilderness rivers, and an adventure that we are honored to offer.

Where is the Salmon or ‘Main Salmon’?

The Salmon is also known as the ‘Main Salmon’ to separate it from its tributary, the Middle Fork of the Salmon, and its lower more desert like sections. The Salmon cuts through the huge ‘Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness’ located in the middle of Idaho. This is the heart of the Idaho Rockies and it is absolutely filled with remote and wild rivers.

Many of the rivers have been named with a confusing collection of points of the compass and forks. For example there is an “East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon!” But the Salmon, or ‘Main Salmon” is where all these forks run into. It’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s remote, and it’s fun.

Known as the “River of No Return” by early explorers, the Salmon is a big mountain river. It has big water with spring flows rivaling that of Colorado’s Grand Canyon and big, fun, roller coaster style rapids; a big, incredibly beautiful, river corridor set in a massive wilderness with peaks rising over a mile above the river; huge sandy beaches shaded by towering pine and fir trees; big side creeks full of trout (creeks that would be called rivers in many parts of the world); a long history full of big personalities, characters, and stories; a ton of wildlife including Big Horn Sheep, Black Bear, and Bald Eagle; and most importantly it offers an authentic wilderness experience.

However, despite its size, history, remoteness, and ominous sounding nickname, the Salmon River is incredibly friendly and comfortable. It features warm summer days lasting until nearly 10 in the evening, cool nights perfect for sleeping under the stars, water perfect for swimming, natural hot springs to soak in, perhaps the best beach camping anywhere, world-class trout fishing, a ton of hiking, and whitewater that is exciting yet safe. People have said that it feels wild, untouched, and rugged but at the same time comfortable, forgiving, and almost luxurious – a journey that combines a perfect beach vacation with the solitude, beauty, vast wilderness, and excitement of a mountain whitewater river expedition.

The whitewater features big water wave trains punctuated by calm green pools. It is fun and exciting, but great for almost any age level. You have the choice of sitting in relaxing oar boats, participating in more exciting paddle boats, or navigating the whitewater in an inflatable kayak or a stand up paddle board (this adds a big level of excitement to the rapids).

The options for each day can turn the trips into a multi-sport adventure for those interested. The river is perfect for inflatable kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. There are both mellow and epic hiking options and there is world-class trout fishing. It is not uncommon to have a group leave together in the morning, split for hiking, fishing, or a stop at one of the historic wilderness homesteads, and then come back together as they float into the evenings camp to tell the stories of their day.

The River of No Return is one of those rare river trips that is ideal for the seasoned whitewater connoisseur, someone wanting to make the jump from shorter wilderness trips like Oregon’s Rogue River, or for first timers looking for their first river trip or an amazing vacation. The trip can be enjoyed by those wanting high adventure, those wanting a very active trip, and those just wanting a beautiful, lazy vacation. Our salmon trips range from groups of families to college buddies to chartered private trips and it is not uncommon to have trips enjoyed by three generations of family or friends.

Options and Info

Our standard Salmon itinerary is six days. It offers a staggering number of options for activities, historical stops, water craft, etc (it would take many trips to see it all). Leave everything to us - the planning, the cooking, the set up, the cleaning, etc!

Inflatable Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding on Idaho’s Salmon River - It's just you, your craft, and rapids at "face" (or feet) level. The style of whitewater on the Salmon makes it one of the best wilderness rivers in the world for Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Inflatable Kayaking.

We combine floating down one of the world's premier Wilderness Rivers with world-class Cutthroat trout fishing. The side creeks of the Salmon offer amazing wading and bank fly fishing options for both beginners and experienced anglers. Many of these creeks are rarely fished and most are only accessible by rafts and have drainage's that are entirely in a wilderness area.

Join the nationally recognized kayaking instructors at DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking and Momentum River Expeditions for guided hard shell kayaking and instruction on the Idaho’s Salmon River - the Grand Canyon of Idaho, is one of the longest free flowing rivers in the United States.

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Why Momentum
on the on the Idaho Salmon

• Transportation to and from Boise Idaho is included - we make it easy to access the largest wilderness area in the lower 48!
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Excellent meals featuring local and organic produce & products.
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (ultra-comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows!

Recent Testimonials

5"I've rafted and kayaked rivers throughout the West. Our 6 days with Momentum on the Main Stem of Idaho's Salmon River was a good as it gets. The guides were experienced, hardworking, and attentive. Momentum's policy of hiring only guides with at least 8 years' experience is unusual, and it clearly is working for them." - Jim

5"Hands down the best! Quality guides. Good food. Good communication.
Just all around professional and competent. Makes for a safe and fun trip." - Pikai

5"Rebecca, You were fantastic! We had such a great time! It was thrilling and beautiful and fun! It was very enjoyable talking with you and hearing a bit about your interesting life! Thanks for sharing it with us and for doing such a great job! -Jack and Alex" - Jack

TRIP INFORMATION

Why Momentum
on the Idaho Salmon

• Transportation to and from Boise Idaho is included - we make it easy to access the largest wilderness area in the lower 48!
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Excellent meals featuring local and organic produce & products.
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (ultra-comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows!

TRIP INFORMATION

Why Momentum
on the Idaho Salmon

• Transportation to and from Boise Idaho is included - we make it easy to access the largest wilderness area in the lower 48!
• A small company committed to amazing trips & our wild places.
• Safety: All our guides have a minimum 5 years of experience leading trips around the world.
• Excellent meals featuring local and organic produce & products.
• All inclusive: all camping gear included if needed (ultra-comfortable 3” sleeping pads).
• Most importantly - we are friendly, we love what we do, and it shows!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

OUR PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

We are proud to operate under Special Use Permits granted to us by the Oregon Marine Board, the Bureau of Land Management – Klamath Falls Resource Area, Medford Oregon Resource Area, and the Vale District – and The U.S. Forest Service – Ashland Oregon Ranger District, Happy Camp Ranger District, and Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest. We are an equal opportunity recreation service provider. All trips operate on a non-discriminatory basis.